Self-contained dental prophylaxis angle with offset rotational axis

ABSTRACT

The present invention discloses a self-contained dental prophylaxis angle with a separate therapeutic content lumen and drive shaft lumen. The phrophylaxis angle also provides an offset rotational axis and methods for its use in cleaning, polishing, bleaching, bonding, etching, abrading, desensitizing, or otherwise treating teeth. An offset drive system is provided to power rotation of the dental tip in a system that can be physically separated from the storage and dispensing system for therapeutic content. A self-contained dental prophylaxis angle with an offset rotational axis according to the present invention may be used with a variety of shaped dental tips of varying degrees of rigidity, according the needs of a given clinical application.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part application of copending U.S.patent application Ser. No. 10/909,816, filed on Aug. 2, 2004, allowed,which is hereby incorporated in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of dental devices,and relates more specifically to a self-contained dental prophylaxisangle with an offset rotational axis and methods for use in cleaning,polishing, bleaching, bonding, etching, abrading, desensitizing, orotherwise treating teeth.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The application of an abrasive dentifrice paste is generally known toclean and polish teeth. Similarly, other dentifrice compounds areapplied to the surfaces of teeth in numerous other dental procedures tobleach, abrade, or otherwise treat a variety of dental conditions. Mostcommonly, such procedures are performed by a dentist, dental hygienist,or dental assistant using a motorized handpiece which receives what iscommonly referred to in the art as a “prophylaxis angle” or “prophyangle.” Typically, the prophylaxis angle is mounted at a right angle tothe handpiece, and has a rotating polishing surface that is rotated bythe motorized action of the handpiece, and receives dentifrice as itrotates from a cup mounted on the prophylaxis angle. The dentifricecontained within the cup on the prophylaxis angle is replaced as neededby the operator, typically by dipping the prophylaxis angle into acontainer of dentifrice and scooping out additional dentifrice asdesired.

As conventionally deployed, the dentifrice used in prophylaxis angleshas been generally in a paste, cream, or other gummy amalgam form.Powdered dentifrices have also been commonly used, generally withsufficient moisture added to create a paste-like preparation forapplication.

Formerly, most prophylaxis angles were supplied and used as multi-usedevices, requiring cleaning and/or sterilization between use fordifferent patients. With the advent of cost-efficient, disposablemanufacturing materials and techniques, and with the growing concernover the prevention of transmittable diseases during dental therapy, theuse of single-use, disposable prophylaxis angles has become commonplace.

Although the development of disposable prophylaxis angles has hadsignificant impact on dental practice, problems still exist relating tothe application of dentifrice to a patient's teeth using an existingdisposable prophylaxis angle. Conventional disposable prophylaxis anglesmay effectively prevent the spread of disease from patient to patient,but do not completely protect the dentist or other operator frompotential exposure during use. The container of dentifrice is often heldon the finger of the operator. Digital pressure must then be employedwith the dentifrice to apply it to the cup of the prophylaxis angle, andsuch pressure may often stall the drive motor that drives theprophylaxis angle. As the digital pressure is released, the drive motorovercomes the stalling pressure, and the rotational speed of theprophylaxis cup may suddenly increase, potentially spraying buccaldebris such as saliva, blood, and tissue particles into the surroundingwork environment. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as “splatter,”and may occur even in the presence of a minimal amount of buccal debris.Exposure to such debris can pose a significant health risk to thedentist and/or other operators who are attending the patient.

Past attempts have been made to incorporate dispensable dentifricewithin the prophylaxis angle device. However, these efforts havegenerally failed because of technical disadvantages that prevented theiracceptance in the dental marketplace. Among other problems, earlyprophylaxis angles incorporating paste were not disposable.Additionally, other paste delivery mechanisms were relativelymechanically complex and therefore cost prohibitive.

For example, disposable prophylaxis angles having internal pastedelivery systems using an auger-like structure of the type proposed inthe related art must overcome problems associated with charging aninternal reservoir with dentifrice material either before or after theauger is assembled into the prophylaxis angle. Either way, the helicalblades of the auger, which typically extend for a substantial portion ofthe internal diameter of the fluid reservoir, make it difficult to fullycharge the reservoir with the dentifrice material. Also, the augerblades make advancement of the dentifrice material dependent on thedirection of rotation and rotational speed of the auger.

Prophylaxis angles as previously known in the related art are also toolarge to be practical or were generally more difficult to use andrequired retraining the practitioner before use on a patient.

Recent efforts to improve a prophylaxis angle are disclosed in U.S. Pat.No. 6,257,886 to Warner, U.S. Pat. No. 6,382,971 to Randolph, U.S. Pat.No. 5,692,901 to Roth et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 5,871,353 to Pierce etal. These cited prophylaxis angles, while they may representimprovements upon certain aspects of the preceding art, continue to bedesigned around a central rotational axis, which requires more complexengineering to allow for a pathway for dentifrice flow. Certaindeficiencies also persist among existing prophylaxis angles, leaving aneed for further improvement in the design, use, and applications forsuch devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A prophylaxis angle according to the present invention overcomes, or atleast alleviates, one or more of the difficulties or deficienciesassociated with prior art prophylaxis angles, employing an offsetrotational axis which allows mechanically simpler and more reliablepassage of dentifrice material during use.

A prophylaxis angle according to the present invention may or may notrequire a cup to receive dentifrice or other dental therapeutic materialas is commonly employed in existing prophylaxis angles in cleaning orotherwise treating teeth. In a prophylaxis angle according to thepresent invention in which a modified cup is employed, a supply ofdentifrice or other dental therapeutic material is delivered in theproximity of or through the cup through one or more channels parallel tothe rotational axis of the power drive, which is offset from a centralaxis within the handle of the prophylaxis angle. In a prophylaxis angleaccording to the present invention in which no cup is required, adentifrice or other dental therapeutic material is dispensed within theprophylaxis angle, and the dentifrice or other dental therapeuticmaterial is dispensed in the proximity of or through the surface tipthat cleans or otherwise contacts the teeth for the desired effect.

A prophylaxis angle according to the present invention may furtherincorporate a control device to start or stop rotational action of theprophylaxis angle for enhanced user control and convenience. Moreover, aprophylaxis angle according to the present invention may furtherincorporate an adjustable geared mechanism to allow user control of therotational speed of the prophylaxis angle.

A prophylaxis angle according to the present invention may furtherprovide a design that will not allow back flow of saliva or contaminatedmaterials into the unused dentifrice supply.

A prophylaxis angle according to the present invention may be providedeither as a single use, disposable device, or as a reusable device forvarious applications.

A prophylaxis angle according to the present invention may be providedfor a variety of therapeutic applications in the fields of dentistry andoral hygiene. Such applications include, but are not limited to, thecleaning, polishing, etching, desensitization, bonding, abrading,fluoride treatment of teeth, gums, other intraoral structures, dentalappliances, or other dental therapeutic or oral hygienic procedures.

A prophylaxis angle according to the present invention may be providedto mechanically interface with the nozzle connector piece of a standarddental gas-driven handpiece to provide power for use in dentaltherapeutic or oral hygienic procedures.

In alternate embodiments according to the present invention, aprophylaxis angle according to the present invention may be provided toincorporate a connection allowing direct connection to the motor unit ofa standard dental gas-driven handpiece to provide power for use indental therapeutic or oral hygienic procedures, thus eliminating theneed to clean and re-sterilize conventional nozzle connectors for suchheadpieces.

A prophylaxis angle according to the present invention may be providedas a toothbrush for self use by patients.

A method of treating teeth using a self-contained dental prophylaxisangle according to the present invention by an operator or by a patient,in which a dental therapeutic material contained within the dentalprophylaxis is delivered to the interface of a powered dental tip andthe teeth while power is applied to rotate the dental tip through adrive mechanism which is offset from the mechanical center of the dentalprophylaxis unit.

These and other features, aspects, and other advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood with regard to the followingdrawings, description, and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 provides a cross-sectional view of an exemplary self-containeddental prophylaxis angle with an offset rotational axis according to thepresent invention in which a contained pressurized gas is used toadvance the flow of dentifrice within.

FIG. 2 provides a cross-sectional view of an exemplary self-containeddental prophylaxis angle with an offset rotational axis according to thepresent invention in which the mechanical action of the prophylaxisangle is used to advance the flow of dentifrice within.

FIG. 3 provides a cross-sectional view of an exemplary self-containeddental prophylaxis angle with an offset rotational axis according to thepresent invention in which an integral nozzle is provided to directlyconnect to a standard dental handpiece motor unit.

FIG. 4 provides a cross-sectional view of an exemplary self-containeddental prophylaxis angle with an offset rotational axis according to thepresent invention in which an integral nozzle and gas-driven motor unitis provided for direct connection to a standard dental compressed drivegas supply.

FIG. 5 provides a cross-sectional view of an exemplary self-containeddental prophylaxis angle with an offset rotational axis according to thepresent invention in which a spring biases the plunger distally.

FIG. 6 provides a cross-sectional view of an exemplary self-containeddental prophylaxis angle with an offset rotational axis according to thepresent invention in which a threaded control stem actuates the plungerdistally.

FIG. 7 A-J provide lateral and end-on views of various exemplary dentaltips for an self-contained dental prophylaxis angle with an offsetrotational axis according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to thefollowing detailed description of the preferred embodiments of theinvention and the Examples included herein. However, before thepreferred embodiments of the devices and methods according to thepresent invention are disclosed and described, it is to be understoodthat this invention is not limited to the exemplary embodimentsdescribed within this disclosure, and the numerous modifications andvariations therein that will be apparent to those skilled in the artremain within the scope of the invention disclosed herein. It is also tobe understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescribing specific embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

Unless otherwise noted, the terms used herein are to be understoodaccording to conventional usage by those of ordinary skill in therelevant art. In addition to the definitions of terms provided below, itis to be understood that as used in the specification and in the claims,“a” or “an” can mean one or more, depending upon the context in which itis used.

The present invention is directed towards a self-contained dentalprophylaxis angle with an offset rotational axis and methods for its usein performing dental therapeutic procedures. Such dental therapeuticprocedures, as referred to herein, include, but are not limited to, thecleaning, polishing, etching, desensitization, bonding, abrading,fluoride treatment of teeth, gums, other intraoral structures, dentalappliances, or other dental therapeutic or oral hygienic procedures.

In an exemplary embodiment according to the present invention, aself-contained dental prophylaxis angle with an offset rotational axisis provided to dispense dentifrice or other therapeutic medicamentcontained therein as the prophylaxis angle is being used by an operatorto clean or otherwise treat a patient's teeth. An exemplaryself-contained dental prophylaxis angle with an offset rotational axisaccording to the present invention is provided with an elongated tubularbody with a length defining a central axis, a proximal end, a distalend, a content lumen containing a content in fluid communication with adistal content portal, and a drive lumen in communication with a distaldrive portal. In addition, such a self-contained dental prophylaxisangle with an offset rotational axis according to the present inventionis farther provided with a dental tip rotatably mounted on the distalend that is turned by the action of one or more distal gears at thedistal drive portal that are turned by a mechanical drive shaft withinthe drive lumen and with a length defining a longitudinal rotationalaxis. Finally, a self-contained dental prophylaxis angle with an offsetrotational axis according to the present invention is provided with acontent dispensing mechanism to selectively dispense content such as adental therapeutic dentifrice or other material from the content lumenthrough the distal content portal into contact or proximity with thedental tip.

Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals indicate likeelements throughout the several views, one preferred embodiment of anexemplary prophylaxis angle according to the present invention is shownin FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 1, an exemplary self-contained dentalprophylaxis angle 100 is provided with a tubular body 105 with aproximal end 110 and a distal end 115. In various embodiments accordingto the present invention, the external shape of the body 105 may beround, oblong, triangular, square, polygonal, or any other desiredshape. In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, the body 105 contains atleast two parallel lumens, a main lumen 118, and a drive lumen 125. Thelongitudinal axis of the main lumen 118 is referred to herein as thecentral axis. The drive lumen contains a drive shaft 130. Thelongitudinal axis of the drive shaft 130 is referred to herein as therotational axis. At the proximal end 110, the drive shaft 130 is fittedwith a geared connector 131 compatible to connect operably with astandard dental handpiece [not shown] to provide rotational power tosaid drive shaft 130. The drive shaft 130 is further provided with adistal gear tip 135 which interfaces with a transitional gear 145 whichinterfaces with a geared tip 150 at a distal drive portal 138 totransfer rotational motion from the handpiece to the geared tip 150 thusrotating a cleaning tip 155 which is attached to said geared tip 150.

In alternate embodiments according to the present invention, the distalgear tip 135 may interface directly with the geared tip 150 at a distaldrive portal 138, eliminating any transitional gears. The cleaning tip155 and attached geared tip 150 are rotatably attached to the distal end115 of the body 105, which may be straight, or may be curved at an anglevarying from 0 to 179 degrees with respect to the long axis of the body105. At or near the junction with the dental tip 155 and attached gearedtip 150, the body 105 terminates with a content portal 160 whichcontains one or more fenestrations 165 to allow egress of therapeuticcontent 170 from main lumen 118 onto or in proximity with the dental tip155 for cleaning or other therapeutic purposes. Flow of said egress ofcontained dentifrice or other therapeutic content 170 from main lumen118 is effected by compression by a plunger 175 with a distal face 176.In various embodiments according to the present invention, the plunger175 is sized and shaped to fit sealably, but slidably within the mainlumen 118. The distal face 176 of the plunger 175 may be flat, concave,convex, or otherwise shaped to fit the desired application. In theexample shown in FIG. 1, the plunger 175 is advanced by the effect ofgas pressure release from a pressurized gas container 180 located withinthe proximal aspect of main lumen 118. Said pressurized gas container180 has a gas portal 185 that connects to a gas valve 190 and a gas jet195. The gas valve 195 is operated by compression action of a controlstem 196 which is spring loaded by a spring 193 which is housed in acontrol well 198. The control stem 196 has a sealed traverse throughsaid control well 198, and exits through a sealed control well cap 197to terminate in a control button 199.

In various embodiments according to the present invention, the controlbutton 199 may be provided further with a control latch 178 to permitcontinued opening of the gas valve 190 despite release of digitalpressure by the operator. Such a control latch 178 would be immediatelyreleasable upon a re-application of digital pressure to the controlbutton 199 by the operator.

In use by an operator, the exemplary prophylaxis angle of FIG. 1 isagain attached to a standard dental handpiece. The rotary motion of thehandpiece powers the motion of the drive shaft 130, which is transferredto, and causes rotational motion of the dental tip 155. When theoperator desires to effect the dispensing of therapeutic content 170,digital pressure on the control button 199 opens the gas valve190,releasing compressed gas into the enclosed main lumen 118, thuspermitting the displacement of the plunger 175 and dispensingtherapeutic content 170 through the fenestrations 165 in the end cap160. In various embodiments according to the present invention, the body105 may further be provided with one or more transparent windows 169that permit an operator to monitor the movement of the plunger 175towards the distal end 115, thus allowing the operator to determine howmuch content 170 remains to be dispensed. Graduations or other markers[not shown] may be provided on the windows 169 to allow the operator toquantitate the remaining content 170.

In other alternate embodiments according to the present invention, aself-contained dental prophylaxis angle 100 may further be provided witha distal cap 177 removable by the operator, which may serve to provide aseal during storage, and to prevent inadvertent leakage of content 170prior to use.

In yet other alternate embodiments according to the present invention,the distal end 115 may be covered by a membrane [not shown]. Such amembrane may be solid and removable or pierced by the operator prior touse, or may be semipermeable, and permit egress of content 170 throughthe membrane as the plunger 175 is advanced.

In yet other alternate embodiments according to the present invention,content is dispensed by action of a plunger which is advanced by theeffect of gas pressure release from a pressurized gas located within themain lumen operable by a valve activated by a user in a manner similarto a conventional aerosol can. Alternately, content may be dispensed bydirect action of a pressurized gas located within the main lumenoperable by a valve activated by a user in a manner similar to aconventional aerosol can. Alternately still, a self-contained dentalprophylaxis angle according to the present invention may be directlyconnected to an external source of compressed gas, such as thattypically provided in a dental treatment unit, to dispense contenteither by advancing a plunger or by direct displacement effect on thecontent.

An alternate preferred embodiment of an exemplary prophylaxis angleaccording to the present invention is shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG.2, an exemplary self-contained dental prophylaxis angle 200 is providedwith an elongated tubular body 205 with a proximal end 210 and a distalend 215. In various embodiments according to the present invention, theexternal shape of the body 205 may be round, oblong, triangular, square,polygonal, or any other desired shape. In the example illustrated inFIG. 2, the body 205 contains at least two parallel lumens, a main lumen220, and a drive lumen 225. The longitudinal axis of the main lumen 220is referred to herein as the central axis. The drive lumen contains aturnable drive shaft 230 which contains drive shaft threads 233 alongsome or all its length. The longitudinal axis of the drive shaft 230 isreferred to herein as the rotational axis. At the proximal end 210, thedrive shaft 230 is fitted with a geared connector 231 compatible toconnect operably with a standard dental handpiece [not shown] to providerotational power to said drive shaft 230. The drive shaft 230 is furtherprovided with a distal gear tip 235 which interfaces at a distal driveportal 238 with a transitional gear 240 which interfaces with a gearedtip 245 to transfer rotational motion from the handpiece to the gearedtip 245 thus rotating a cleaning tip 250 which is attached to saidgeared tip 245. In alternate embodiments according to the presentinvention, the distal gear tip 235 may interface directly with thegeared tip 245 at a distal drive portal 238, eliminating anytransitional gears. The cleaning tip 250 and attached geared tip 245 arerotatably attached to the distal end 215 of the body 205, which may bestraight, or may be curved at an angle varying from 0 to 179 degreeswith respect to the long axis of the body 205. At the junction with thedental tip 250 and attached geared tip 245, the body 205 terminates witha content portal 255 which contains one or more fenestrations 260 toallow egress of therapeutic content 265 from main lumen 220 onto or inproximity with the dental tip 250 for cleaning or other therapeuticpurposes. In various embodiments according to the present invention, thetherapeutic content 265 may be contained within the main lumen 220within a content sac 273 which may be attached to the content portal 255such that content can only be expressed through the content portal 255upon compression of the sac 273 and leakage of content 265 is otherwiseavoided. Such a content sac 273 may be fabricated of any thin, flexible,and compressible material such as a plastic, rubber, or other natural orsynthetic polymer that is chemically inert with respect to the nature ofthe therapeutic content 265. Flow of said egress of contained dentifriceor other therapeutic content 265 from lumen 220 is effected bycompression by a plunger 270 with a distal face 271. In variousembodiments according to the present invention, the plunger 270 is sizedand shaped to fit sealably, but slidably within the main lumen 220. Thedistal face 271 of the plunger 270 may be flat, concave, convex, orotherwise shaped to fit the desired application. In the example shown inFIG. 2, the plunger 270 is attached to a stem 275 to which an engagementarm 290 is attached at a first engagement pivot 280. The engagement arm290 is further provided with an engagement pin 285. The engagement pin285 is provided to engage the drive shaft threads 233 through anengagement slot 231 that connects lumens 220 and 225 within body 205.The engagement arm 290 is further attached at a second engagement pivot293 to a control stem 295. The control stem 295 passes from main lumen220 through the wall of the body 205 in a control well 261. Within saidcontrol well 261, a spring 262 between the body 20 and a control wellcap 263 maintains tension on said control stem 295 and engagement arm290. For user convenience, the control stem 295 may be attached to acontrol button 268. The control well 261 and its contained elements areslidably mounted in an advancement slot 267 that extends through saidbody 205 to allow advancement of said plunger 270 to dispense saidtherapeutic content 265.

In use by an operator, the exemplary prophylaxis angle of FIG. 2 isattached to a standard dental handpiece. The rotary motion of thehandpiece powers the motion of the drive shaft 230, which is transferredto, and causes rotational motion of the dental tip 250. Also, theengagement of the engagement pin 285 by the drive shaft threads 233allows the rotation of the drive shaft to effect movement of the plunger270, along with the attached engagement arm/control stem assembly asdescribed above which slides within the advancement slot 267. Should theoperator desire to slow the dispensing of therapeutic content 265,digital pressure on the control button 268 causes the engagement pin 285to disengage from the drive shaft threads 233, thus interrupting furtherdisplacement of the plunger 270 by handpiece rotational motion. When theoperator desires to resume dispensing of therapeutic content 265,release of digital pressure on the control button 268 causes theengagement pin 285 to re-engage the drive shaft threads 233, thuspermitting the renewed displacement of the plunger 270 by handpiecerotational motion. In various embodiments according to the presentinvention, the control button 268 may be provided further with a controllatch 272 to permit continued engagement of the engagement pin 285 withthe drive shaft threads 233 despite release of digital pressure by theoperator. Such a control latch 272 would be immediately releasable upona re-application of digital pressure to the control button 268 by theoperator.

In various embodiments according to the present invention, the body 205may further be provided with one or more transparent windows 269 thatpermit an operator to monitor the movement of the plunger 270 towardsthe distal end 215, thus allowing the operator to determine how muchcontent 265 remains to be dispensed. Graduations or other markers [notshown] may be provided on the windows 269 to allow the operator toquantitate the remaining content 265.

In other alternate embodiments according to the present invention, aself-contained dental prophylaxis angle 200 may further be provided witha distal cap 297 removable by the operator, which may serve to provide aseal during storage, and to prevent inadvertent leakage of content 265prior to use.

In yet other alternate embodiments according to the present invention,the distal end 215 may be covered by a membrane [not shown]. Such amembrane may be solid and removable or pierced by the operator prior touse, or may be semipermeable, and permit egress of content 265 throughthe membrane as the plunger 270 is advanced.

While the embodiment as described above has a separate main lumen 220and drive lumen 225, in alternate embodiments according to the presentinvention, a common single lumen accommodates both the drive shaft andcontent storage/delivery functions.

In an alternate embodiment according to the present invention as shownin FIG. 3, a self-contained dental prophylaxis unit 100 similar to theone described above and in FIG. 1 is further provided with an attachedor integrated nozzle segment 305, including a tubular nozzle body 310which may be straight or flared, and contains an extension of the driveshaft 130 and drive lumen 125, with a drive gear 315 which directlyinterfaces with the motor gear of a standard dental handpiece motor [notshown]. Such alternate embodiments according to the present invention inwhich a nozzle segment 305 is provided as an attached or integralattachment to a self-contained dental prophylaxis unit 100 may include aself contained compressed gas tank, as shown previously above and inFIG. 1, to provide a mechanism to drive the dispensing of content.Alternately, when a self-contained dental prophylaxis unit 100 isprovided with a nozzle segment 305 as shown in FIG. 3, a nozzle gasconnector 320 may be provided with a tank connector 325 in gas flowcontinuity with the compressed gas tank 180, and with a handpiece gasconnector 335 sized and located to connect with the compressed gasconnectors on a standard dental compressed gas handpiece motor [notshown].

Yet another alternate embodiment according to the present invention isshown in FIG. 4. In this example, a self-contained dental prophylaxisunit 100 similar to the one described above and in FIG. 1 is providedwith an attached or integrated nozzle segment 305 as described above andin FIG. 3, with the further attachment or integration of a motor segment405 including a tubular or solid motor housing 410, a commonly availablecompressed gas-driven motor 415 of conventional design for use instandard dental handpieces, and one or more gas supply connectors 425sized and located to permit attachment of the entire motor segment 405,nozzle segment 305, and prophylaxis angle 100 to a conventional dentalhandpiece supply line [not shown]. Various embodiments according to thepresent invention may employ branching compress gas supply lines todrive both the motor 415 and to supply compressed gas to the nozzle gasconnector 320 to supply a compressed gas tank 180 when an externalsupply is used to drive the content dispensing function. When a dentalprophylaxis angle is provided with an integral or attached motor unit415 according to the present invention, a motor speed control valve 430may further be provided with an attached motor speed control device 435which may be a lever 440 pivotably mounted 445 to a pivot mount 450,such that pressure on the lever 440 may open the flow of compressed gasthrough the control valve 430, allowing the motor 415 to turn withincreased speed. The action of this lever 440 may be spring-loaded orotherwise controlled mechanically [not shown], such that release ofpressure on the lever 440 by an operator causes the motor 415 to slow orstop. Alternately, other mechanical, electrical, or electromechanicalspeed control connections may be provided between the control lever 445or alternate control interface and the control valve 430, providingother conventional mechanisms to decrease or increase motor speed byadjusting the flow of compressed gas to the motor 415. The action of thespeed control device 435 thus allows an operator to regulate the flow ofcompressed gas to the motor 415 to control its operation and operatingspeed.

Yet another alternate embodiment according to the present invention isshown in FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 5, an exemplary self-contained dentalprophylaxis angle 500 is provided with a tubular body 505 with aproximal end 510 and a distal end 515. In various embodiments accordingto the present invention, the external shape of the body 505 may beround, oblong, triangular, square, polygonal, or any other desiredshape. In the example illustrated in FIG. 5, the body 505 contains atleast two parallel lumens, a main content lumen 518, and a separatedrive lumen 525. The longitudinal axis of the main lumen 518 is referredto herein as the central axis. The drive lumen contains a drive shaft530. The longitudinal axis of the drive shaft 530 is referred to hereinas the rotational axis. At the proximal end 510, the drive shaft 530extends along at least the proximal end 510 of the body 505 and isfitted with a geared connector 531 which interfaces with a transitionalgear 532 compatible to connect operably with a standard concentric drivedental handpiece [not shown] to provide rotational power to said driveshaft 530. The drive shaft 530 is further provided with a distal geartip 535 which interfaces with a geared tip 550 at a distal drive portal538 to transfer rotational motion from the handpiece to the geared tip550 thus rotating a cleaning tip 555 which is attached to said gearedtip 550.

In alternate embodiments according to the present invention, thecleaning tip 555 and attached geared tip 550 are rotatably attached tothe distal end 515 of the body 505, which may be straight, or may becurved at an angle varying from 0 to 179 degrees with respect to thelong axis of the body 505. At or near the junction with the dental tip555 and attached geared tip 550, the body 505 terminates with a contentportal 560 which contains one or more fenestrations 565 to allow egressof therapeutic content 570 from main lumen 518 onto or in proximity withthe dental tip 555 for cleaning or other therapeutic purposes. Flow ofsaid egress of contained dentifrice or other therapeutic content 570from main lumen 518 is effected by compression by a plunger 575 with adistal face 576. In various embodiments according to the presentinvention, the plunger 575 is sized and shaped to fit sealably, butslidably within the main lumen 518. The distal face 576 of the plunger575 may be flat, concave, convex, or otherwise shaped to fit the desiredapplication. The therapeutic content 570 is shown contained within acontent sac 573 in the main lumen 518.

In the example shown in FIG. 5, the plunger 575 is advanced by theeffect of a spring 580 within the proximal aspect of main lumen 518loading pressure upon the plunger 575. The plunger 575 is operated bycompression action of a control stem 596 which disengages engagement pin582 from anchoring to dispensing notches 584 on the tubular body 505 toprovide pressure upon the therapeutic content 570 to exit the contentportal 560. The control stem 596 advances toward the distal end 515 ofthe content containing main lumen 518 along an advancement slot 586,assisted by spring 580 pressure against the plunger 576. The engagementpin 582 is immediately renegagable with successive dispensing notches584 upon a release of digital pressure from the control stem 596 by theoperator. The control stem 596 is optionally also spring loaded (notshown) to maximize re-engagement and cessation of pressure on thetherapeutic content 565.

Yet another alternate embodiment according to the present invention isshown in FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 6, an exemplary self-contained dentalprophylaxis angle 600 is provided with a tubular body 605 with aproximal end 610 and a distal end 615. In various embodiments accordingto the present invention, the external shape of the body 605 may beround, oblong, triangular, square, polygonal, or any other desiredshape. In the example illustrated in FIG. 6, the body 605 contains atleast two parallel lumens, a content containing main lumen 618, and aseparate drive lumen 625. The longitudinal axis of the main lumen 618 isreferred to herein as the central axis. The drive lumen contains a driveshaft 630. The longitudinal axis of the drive shaft 630 is referred toherein as the rotational axis. At the proximal end 610, the drive shaft630 extends along at least the proximal end 610 of the body 605 and isfitted with a geared connector 631 which interfaces with a transitionalgear 632 compatible to connect operably with a standard concentric drivedental handpiece [not shown] to provide rotational power to said driveshaft 630. The drive shaft 630 is further provided with a distal geartip 635 which interfaces with a geared tip 650 at a distal drive portal638 to transfer rotational motion from the handpiece to the geared tip650 thus rotating a cleaning tip 655 which is attached to said gearedtip 650.

In alternate embodiments according to the present invention, thecleaning tip 655 and attached geared tip 650 are rotatably attached tothe distal end 615 of the body 605, which may be straight, or may becurved at an angle varying from 0 to 179 degrees with respect to thelong axis of the body 605. At or near the junction with the dental tip655 and attached geared tip 650, the body 605 terminates with a contentportal 660 which contains one or more fenestrations 665 to allow egressof therapeutic content 670 from main lumen 618 onto or in proximity withthe dental tip 655 for cleaning or other therapeutic purposes. Flow ofsaid egress of contained dentifrice or other therapeutic content 670from main lumen 618 is effected by compression by a plunger 675 with adistal face 676. In various embodiments according to the presentinvention, the plunger 675 is sized and shaped to fit sealably, butslidably within the main lumen 618. The distal face 676 of the plunger675 may be flat, concave, convex, or otherwise shaped to fit the desiredapplication. The therapeutic content 670 is shown contained within acontent sac 673 in the content containing main lumen 618.

In the example shown in FIG. 6, the plunger 675 is advanced byrotational action on a threaded control stem 696 which disengagesengagement pin 682 from anchoring to dispensing notches 684 on thetubular body 605 to permit manual advancing pressure upon plunger 675against the therapeutic content 670 to exit the content portal 660. Thecontrol stem 696 advances toward the distal end 615 of the contentcontaining main lumen 618 along an advancement slot 686, assisted bymanual pressure against the plunger 676. The engagement pin 682 isimmediately renegagable with successive dispensing notches 684 uponopposite turning of the threaded control stem 696 which engagesengagement pin 682 with anchoring to dispensing notches 684. The controlstem 696 is alternatively spring loaded rather than threaded to effectdisengagement and re-engagement of the engagement pin 682 with thedispensing notches 684.

Prophylaxis angles according to the present invention as shown in FIGS.1-6 may be provided either as single use, disposable units or formultiple use applications. Such prophylaxis angles may be fabricated outof any biocompatible material, including but not limited to, plastics,high durometer rubbers, other polymers, aluminum, stainless steel, othermetals, metal alloys, or combinations thereof

Exemplary embodiments of various dental tips for a prophylaxis angleaccording to the present invention are shown in FIGS. 7(A)-7(J). Suchdental tips may be fabricated of plastic, natural or synthetic rubbers,other polymers, nylon, Teflon, plastic foam, metals, metal alloys,ceramics, natural bristles, or other synthetic or natural materials.Such dental tips may further be solid or of varying porosity. Inaddition, dental tips for a prophylaxis angle according to the presentinvention may be permanently attached to the prophylaxis angle, or maybe removable for use of replacement or alternate form dental tips, asdesired by the operator.

Dental tips for a prophylaxis angle according to the present inventionmay be provided with varying durometer material strength, yieldingrigid, semi-rigid, or soft dental tips for various applicationsanticipated by the present invention. Similarly, the cross-sectionalshape of various dental tips for a prophylaxis angle according to thepresent invention may vary for different applications. As shown in FIGS.7(A)-7(J), such dental tips may be square, round, triangular, stellate,heart-shaped, polygonal, or irregular in their various cross-sectionalshapes. Such dental tips may also be uniform in their long axisdimensions or may be tapered, irregular, or otherwise shaped for optimaluse in a given dental therapeutic application.

The dentifrice or therapeutic content contained within a prophylaxisangle according to the present invention may be a cleaning paste, ableaching or etching agent, an antibacterial agent, topical fluoride orcalcium treatment, desensitizing treatment, or any other desiredtherapeutic material or any combination thereof that may be prepared,contained, and delivered in a paste, gel, or other semisolid form. Adentrifrice or therapeutic content according to the present inventionmay also include a surfactant or other chemical, biological, ormechanical agent to aid in the performance of a variety of dentaltherapeutic procedures.

Location of the drive mechanism needed to power motion of the dental tipin a position that is offset from the longitudinal axis of the body isimportant to the proper function of a dental prophylaxis angle accordingto the present invention. This offset location permits a mechanical andoperational separation in the functions of providing power to therotating dental tip and of dispensing dentifrice or other therapeuticcontent.

Many additional mechanisms are anticipated by the present invention toprovide a controllable dispensing system for dentifrice or therapeuticcontent contained within an inventive prophylaxis angle. These include,but are not limited to, the use of spring-loaded components, such as asmall controllably releasable spring-loaded motor, to controllably applypressure within or to the portion of the prophylaxis angle containingsuch materials to effect such dispensing, the use of a telescoping rodor tubing within the body of such a prophylaxis angle to mechanicallyexpress such content, or use of a screw-mounted movable disk to serve asa plunger to effect such expression of content.

In yet another alternate embodiment according to the present invention,a prophylaxis angle may be provided with an offset drive mechanism and adispensing system for contained dentifrice or other therapeuticmedicaments in the form of a motorized toothbrush or other personaldental therapeutic device, designed for use by an operator and/or selfuse by a patient. In such an application, the prophylaxis angle haseither a removable connection from a separate motorized handpiece toprovide power, or such a motorized handpiece may be integrated into theprophylaxis angle to provide power and an operating handle.

Finally, while there have been shown and described and pointed outfundamental novel features of the present invention as applied topreferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood that variousomissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of thedevices illustrated, and in their operation, and in the methodillustrated and described, may be made by those skilled in the artwithout departing from the spirit of the invention as broadly disclosedherein. All of the above-discussed patents and publications are herebyexpressly incorporated by reference as if they were written directlyherein.

1. A dental prophylaxis angle comprising: an elongated tubular bodyhaving a length defining a central axis and comprising a proximal end, adistal end, a main content lumen within the body in communication with adistal content portal, and a drive lumen within the body incommunication with a distal drive portal, wherein the drive lumen isoutside the content lumen, and wherein the proximal end elongatedtubular body is connectable to a concentric drive dental handpiece; adental tip rotatably mounted on the distal end; a mechanical drive shaftwithin the drive lumen and having a length defining a longitudinalrotational axis and having one or more distal gears extending throughthe drive portal in mechanical communication with the dental tip capableof imparting applied rotational motion to rotate the dental tip, whereinthe longitudinal rotational axis of the drive shaft is mechanicallyoffset from the central axis of the elongated tubular body along atleast the proximal end of the tubular body; a geared connector operablycoupled to the proximal end of the mechanically offset drive shaft,wherein the geared connector is operably connectable with the concentricdrive dental handpiece; a content dispensing mechanism for selectivelydispensing content through the content lumen and distal content portalinto contact with the dental tip; and the content dispensing mechanismcomprising a movable sealed plunger assembly within the content lumen,the plunger assembly located between the proximal end and the distal endof the tubular body, the content is enclosed between the plungerassembly and the distal end, whereby motion of the plunger assemblytowards the distal end compresses the content and causes the content tobe dispensed through the distal content portal.
 2. A method ofperforming a dental therapeutic procedure on teeth, comprising using adental prophylaxis angle of claim 1 with a content to effect a desiredtherapeutic treatment on teeth.